Barclays offers 'goodwill' payouts for stranded customers

Customers stuck abroad due to the volcano ash cloud are to be offered special provisions by Barclays.

Barclays is offering special provisions for its customers stranded abroad due to the international flights chaos caused by the continuing spread of volcanic ash across Europe.

Most European airspace has now been closed for six consecutive days following an Icelandic volcano erupting last week. According to travel industry body Abta, around 150,000 British workers are currently stuck abroad which has led to fierce debate as many bankS refuse to budge over financial issues such as travel insurance and emergency overdraft facilities.

However, Barclays today (April 20th) announced that it will consider travel insurance claims for delayed departure "as a gesture of goodwill" and is also liely to extend the regular 14-day free cover limit if a customer is unable to return home before their cover ends.

Furthermore, Barclays' current account holders will be eligible for a temporary increase on their overdraft to help with additional costs incurred whilst they are away. Barclaycard customers will also be given access to limit increased on their credit card, subject to the bank's approval.